Patentable/Patents/US-11238892
US-11238892

Disk device with base and first and second covers

PublishedFebruary 1, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a recording medium, a base accommodating the recording medium, the base including a bottom wall, a sidewall on a peripheral portion of the bottom wall, and a rib on a part of an upper surface of the sidewall, a first cover on a part of the upper surface of the sidewall, and a second cover on the rib and above the first cover. The rib includes a first region with a first chamfered surface with a first chamfered width and a second region with a second chamfered surface with a second chamfered width which is less than the first chamfered width. The first region and the second region are located corresponding to a side portion of the recording medium.

Patent Claims
11 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A disk device comprising: a recording medium; a base accommodating the recording medium, the base comprising a bottom wall, a sidewall on a peripheral portion of the bottom wall, and a rib on a part of an upper surface of the sidewall, the rib comprising a first region with a first chamfered surface with a first chamfered width and a second region with a second chamfered surface with a second chamfered width which is less than the first chamfered width, the first region and the second region being located corresponding to a side portion of the recording medium; a first cover provided on a part of the upper surface of the sidewall; and a second cover provided on the rib and provided above the first cover.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a recording medium housed within a base structure. The base has a bottom wall, a sidewall around the periphery of the bottom wall, and a rib on part of the sidewall's upper surface. The rib features two regions: a first region with a chamfered surface having a wider width and a second region with a narrower chamfered surface. These regions align with the side portion of the recording medium. The device also includes a first cover placed on part of the sidewall's upper surface and a second cover positioned above the first cover, covering the rib. The rib's chamfered surfaces help manage airflow and structural integrity, while the dual-cover design enhances protection and thermal management for the recording medium. This configuration improves the disk device's durability and performance by optimizing airflow and reducing mechanical stress on the recording medium.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein the rib comprises a first surface with a fixed width around an entire circumference of the rib, and a second surface provided on an inner side portion of the rib, and the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface are provided between the first surface and the second surface.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to disk devices, specifically addressing structural improvements in the rib components of such devices to enhance durability and performance. The rib, a structural element in disk devices, is designed with a first surface having a uniform width around its entire circumference and a second surface located on the inner side portion of the rib. Between these two surfaces, first and second chamfered surfaces are incorporated. The chamfered surfaces serve to reduce stress concentrations and improve load distribution, particularly in high-speed rotational applications where the rib is subjected to significant mechanical forces. The uniform width of the first surface ensures consistent structural integrity, while the second surface and chamfered surfaces optimize stress dissipation and prevent premature wear or failure. This design is particularly useful in disk devices where ribs are critical for maintaining structural stability under dynamic loading conditions. The invention focuses on enhancing the rib's ability to withstand operational stresses while maintaining precision and reliability in disk device performance.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The disk device of claim 2 , wherein the rib comprises a third surface provided only between the first surface and the second surface in the first region of the rib.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a disk and a rib structure that supports the disk. The rib has a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is positioned closer to the disk than the second surface. The rib also has a first region and a second region, with the first region being closer to the disk than the second region. The rib includes a third surface that is positioned only between the first surface and the second surface in the first region of the rib. This third surface is not present in the second region. The rib structure is designed to provide structural support to the disk while minimizing interference with disk movement or airflow. The third surface in the first region may improve stability or reduce vibration by enhancing the rib's structural integrity in the area closest to the disk. The design ensures that the rib does not obstruct disk operations while maintaining mechanical strength. This configuration is particularly useful in high-performance disk drives where minimizing vibration and maintaining precise disk alignment are critical. The rib's geometry helps balance structural support with operational efficiency, ensuring reliable disk performance.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The disk device of claim 3 , wherein the third surface has a width in the second region, which is less than a width of the third surface in the first region.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a disk device, specifically a hard disk drive (HDD) or similar storage device, addressing the challenge of optimizing disk surface geometry to improve data storage efficiency and reliability. The disk device includes a disk with a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is divided into a first region and a second region. The second surface has a third surface that extends across both regions. The third surface has a varying width, being narrower in the second region compared to the first region. This design modification allows for improved data density, reduced track misregistration, and enhanced thermal management by optimizing the disk's structural properties in different operational zones. The varying width of the third surface ensures that the disk maintains stability while accommodating higher data densities in the first region, where data storage demands are typically higher. The second region, with its narrower third surface, may serve as a buffer or auxiliary storage area, balancing performance and reliability across the disk. This geometric adaptation enhances the overall efficiency of the disk device, particularly in high-capacity storage applications.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The disk device of claim 2 , wherein the sidewall of the base comprises a pair of long sidewalls, and a pair of short sidewalls, and the second region of the rib is provided on each of the long sidewalls and one of the short sidewalls.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a base with a sidewall structure designed to enhance structural integrity and stability. The sidewall of the base comprises a pair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, forming a rectangular or square perimeter. A rib extends along the sidewall, with a first region positioned on the inner surface of the sidewall and a second region positioned on the outer surface. The second region of the rib is specifically provided on each of the long sidewalls and one of the short sidewalls, reinforcing these areas to improve resistance to deformation or bending. This configuration ensures uniform load distribution and prevents warping, particularly in high-stress applications. The rib's placement on the long sidewalls and one short sidewall optimizes material usage while maintaining structural rigidity. The disk device is likely used in storage or mechanical systems where durability and precision are critical. The rib's segmented design allows for targeted reinforcement without unnecessary weight or complexity. The invention addresses the need for lightweight yet robust disk devices capable of withstanding operational stresses while maintaining dimensional accuracy.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The disk device of claim 2 , wherein a gas of a density lower than that of air is sealed with the base and the first cover.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a base and a first cover that together form an enclosure. The enclosure houses a disk-shaped recording medium and a head that reads and writes data on the medium. The head is supported by a suspension, which is attached to an actuator that moves the head across the disk. The actuator is driven by a voice coil motor (VCM) that positions the head over specific tracks on the disk. The disk device also includes a spindle motor that rotates the disk at high speeds for data access. To improve performance and reliability, the enclosure is sealed with a gas that has a lower density than air. This reduces air resistance on the rotating disk and the moving head, lowering power consumption and wear. The lower-density gas also minimizes contamination and oxidation inside the enclosure, enhancing long-term reliability. The sealed environment ensures consistent operating conditions, improving data integrity and reducing mechanical stress on components. This design is particularly useful in high-performance storage systems where efficiency and durability are critical.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein the rib comprises a recess portion in which the second region comprises a bottom portion, and the first cover comprises, in an outer peripheral portion thereof, a projecting portion corresponding to the recess portion of the rib.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to disk devices, specifically addressing the challenge of improving structural integrity and assembly precision in disk drive components. The device includes a rib with a recess portion in a second region, where the recess has a bottom portion. Additionally, a first cover is provided with a projecting portion on its outer peripheral edge that aligns with the recess in the rib. This design ensures precise alignment and secure engagement between the rib and the cover, enhancing the mechanical stability of the disk device. The recess and projecting portion may be shaped to facilitate assembly while maintaining structural rigidity, preventing misalignment or detachment during operation. The interaction between the rib and cover helps distribute mechanical stresses, reducing wear and improving longevity. The invention is particularly useful in disk drives where compact, durable, and precisely assembled components are critical for reliable performance. The recess and projecting portion may be molded or machined to tight tolerances, ensuring consistent fit and function across manufacturing batches. This structural enhancement contributes to the overall robustness of the disk device, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein the sidewall of the base comprises a pair of long sidewalls, and a pair of short sidewalls, and the second region of the rib is provided on each of the long sidewalls and one of the short sidewalls.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a base with a sidewall structure designed to enhance structural integrity and stability. The sidewall of the base comprises a pair of long sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls, forming a rectangular or square perimeter. A rib structure is integrated into the sidewall, with a second region of the rib positioned on each of the long sidewalls and one of the short sidewalls. This configuration reinforces the base by distributing mechanical stress more evenly across the structure, particularly in areas prone to deformation or failure under load. The rib's placement on the long sidewalls and one short sidewall ensures balanced support, preventing warping or bending while maintaining the device's compact form factor. The design is particularly useful in disk devices where structural rigidity is critical, such as in hard disk drives or optical storage systems, where vibrations and mechanical stress can impact performance and reliability. The rib's strategic positioning minimizes material usage while maximizing structural reinforcement, making the device more durable and resistant to external forces.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein a gas of a density lower than that of air is sealed with the base and the first cover.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a base and a first cover that together form an enclosure. The enclosure is sealed with a gas having a density lower than that of air. This design reduces the overall weight of the disk device by replacing the heavier air with a lighter gas, improving portability and energy efficiency. The lighter gas also minimizes air resistance during disk rotation, reducing wear and tear on mechanical components and enhancing performance. The sealed enclosure prevents contamination from external particles, ensuring reliable operation in various environments. The disk device may include a disk medium for data storage, a spindle motor to rotate the disk, and a head assembly to read and write data. The lighter gas inside the enclosure helps maintain stable operating conditions, reducing the risk of overheating and improving long-term durability. This configuration is particularly useful in high-performance storage systems where weight reduction and reliability are critical.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein the second region is more closer to the side portion of the recording medium than the first region.

Plain English Translation

A disk device includes a recording medium with a first region and a second region, where the second region is positioned closer to the side portion of the recording medium than the first region. The recording medium is designed to store data, and the disk device includes a head that reads and writes data to the medium. The first region is used for storing data, while the second region may serve a different purpose, such as storing metadata, error correction codes, or other auxiliary information. By positioning the second region closer to the side portion, the device optimizes data access efficiency, reduces seek times, or improves error handling. The arrangement may also enhance reliability by isolating critical data from potential edge-related defects. The disk device may further include a controller that manages data placement, ensuring the second region is used appropriately for its intended function. This configuration is particularly useful in high-density storage systems where efficient use of disk space and fast access to auxiliary data are important. The invention addresses challenges in data storage, such as minimizing latency and improving fault tolerance, by strategically placing regions on the recording medium.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The disk device of claim 1 , wherein the rib is formed integrally with the sidewall.

Plain English Translation

Disk device with integrated rib. This invention relates to disk storage devices and aims to improve structural integrity and performance. The disk device comprises a sidewall and a rib. The rib is formed integrally with the sidewall, meaning it is a single, continuous piece of material with the sidewall, rather than being a separate component attached to it. This integral construction can enhance the overall rigidity and stability of the disk device. Such a design may be particularly beneficial in reducing vibrations, improving balance, or increasing resistance to mechanical stress during operation or handling. The specific materials and exact shape of the sidewall and the integrally formed rib would depend on the particular application and desired performance characteristics of the disk device.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

November 17, 2020

Publication Date

February 1, 2022

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Disk device with base and first and second covers” (US-11238892). https://patentable.app/patents/US-11238892

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-11238892. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.

Disk device with base and first and second covers